Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn is trailing Republican challenger Bill Brady by 10 points, according to a new poll; Forrest Claypool is running as an independent in the Cook County Assessor's race; United Airlines and US Airways have renewed merger talks; violence is surging on Chicago's deadly streets; and the Cubs and Sox embark on a new season. Guests:

The financial meltdown caught everyone by surprise in 2008 -- except the rogue traders who saw it coming and made billions from it. The bestselling author of the new book The Big Short is here with the inside story of what brought Wall Street down.

The new owner of the Ambassador East Hotel has a new vision for the building. So what does this mean for the hotel's legendary Pump Room restaurant? Kris Kridel will be here with that story, plus the rest of the week's business news.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: The state's bond rating was downgraded to the second-lowest in the country; voters are getting to know Governor Quinn's running mate, Sheila Simon; drivers are bracing for construction season delays; trade show customers are threatening to leave pricey McCormick Place; and the Cubs and Sox open the new baseball season next week. Guests:

There's another casualty in Chicago's high-end fashion scene. Kris Kridel brings us another familiar story in this recession.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines; Governor Quinn is backing Paul Simon's daughter, Sheila, for his running mate; Illinois lawmakers finally pass pension reforms; U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan allegedly kept a clout list of requests to get into coveted Chicago magnet schools; President Obama signs historic health care legislation; an alleged beating by off-duty Chicago police officers was caught on tape; and the Cubs and Sox Opening Day lineups are taking shape. Guests:

It is not just homeowners who are feeling the pinch of a tough real estate market -- lots of hotels in Chicago are on the brink as well. WBBM Newsradio 780's Kris Kridel joins us with the details of that story, plus the rest of the week's business news.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines; Governor Quinn wants lawmakers to work during their spring break to vote on his tax hike; teachers accuse Chicago Public Schools chief Ron Huberman of using scare tactics during the budget crisis; Chicago's unemployment rate is now nearly 12 percent; full body scanners arrive at O'Hare Airport; and the Bulls and Blackhawks playoff push is stalled by major injuries. Guests:

Foreclosures in Illinois were up 22 percent in February. WBBM Newsradio's Kris Kridel tells us how that figure compares to the rest of the nation when she joins us with the week's top business stories.

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: Governor Quinn calls for a 33% income tax hike; CTA drivers are among the highest paid in the country; a racist yard sign infuriates neighbors; one of Chicago's underperforming public high schools is in the middle of a scandal where grades were allegedly inflated; and Derrick Rose is the latest Bulls player to be battling an injury. Guests:

Now that State Senator Kirk Dillard has conceded to State Senator Bill Brady, the Republican ticket for the general election is set. Carol Marin breaks down the race for governor.

It's not just homeowners who are hurting because of a tough real estate market -- downtown office buildings are feeling the pinch, too. Kris Kridel joins us with the details, plus the rest of the week's business news.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias joins us to discuss what role he played in his now-struggling family bank.

Jake and Elwood may have started the job and now the state plans to finish it. The demolition of the Dixieland Mall is underway. Kris Kridel of WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9FM has that and other top business stories.

We meet a Chicago man who wants to change the way America thinks about table tennis. Where to play ping pong/table tennis in Chicago

Joel and his panel discuss the week's top headlines: As the state's budget crisis continues to grow, support is growing for a major income tax hike; legislation to end free CTA rides for all seniors is moving forward in Springfield; 8 underperforming Chicago Public Schools are set to be closed or completely overhauled; O'Hare airport gets full body scanners; Mayor Daley suggests privatizing parts of pricey McCormick Place; and the Cubs and Sox are working off the rust in spring training. Guests: